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Kits United Kingdom - Post Cold War

Published 20-Apr-2017

Hobby Boss 1/72 IDF Merkava Mk IV

By Martyn Chorlton

1/72 Hobby Boss IDF Merkava Mk IV courtesy of Creative Models

Hobby Boss IDF Merkava Mk IV

The Merkava (‘Chariot’) series of tanks began their rapid development back in 1973 and this impressive machine was in IDF (Israeli Defence Force) service in 1978. The Merkava Mk I first saw action during the Lebanon War in 1982. Steady development has seen it reach its current guise in the shape of the Mk IV which began development in 1999 and was in service by 2004. Bigger than the previous marks, the Merkava Mk IV features removable modular armour, a new fire control system, a larger 120mm (4.7in) main gun and an additional 12.7mm (0.5in) machine gun to name a few.

The Hobby Boss version of the Merkava Mk IV suits 1/72 as it’s quite a large tank which weighs in at 65 tons and is nearly 30ft long, including the barrel. The kit contains 47 parts on six sprues, a small decal sheet supported by a 245mm x 145mm black and white instruction booklet which takes the builder through ten build stages. The build is shortened considerably thanks to a pair of ready-built track units. The build is further simplified by a well-detailed upper hull which has the modular armour, towing cables and various grills and panels already in place. The Merkava’s large turret is also well-detailed and along with the rest of the components, well moulded.

Once again a nicely presented kit of a more unusual, modern MBT at a reasonable price. Highly recommended and thanks very much to Creative Models for our sample which is available from www.creativemodels.co.uk.